Moving out for the first time on your own as an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide aims to give you key tips to help you handle the change without stress. We’ll talk about how to choose your new place, budget, plan, and what you need to know as someone who rents. No matter if you’re moving to a place nearby or far away, these tips will help you start your life as a student on the right foot. Let’s begin.
Choosing the right place fit for you
When you’re moving out for the first time as a local or international student in Australia, choosing the right place to live is important. You’ll need to think about several things, including how much you can spend, what kind of lifestyle you want, and how close you are to school, uni, hospitals, grocery stores, or bus stops. Let’s look at some key things to think about to help you make a smart choice.
Living on campus or off campus
When you start college or university, you’ll need to choose between living on or off campus. Dorms on campus give you easy access and a ready-made social circle. You’ll find yourself close to classrooms, study spots, and school amenities. Many schools offer meal plans, which can make your day-to-day life easier. But keep in mind that living in dorms often means following rules that might cramp your style a bit.
Student accommodations like Switch Living give you more freedom and can cost less in some cases. When you live off-campus, you get to know the local area and learn important skills like managing money and taking care of a home. But keep in mind, sometimes you’ll need to pay for extra things like power, internet, and getting around.
Evaluating neighbourhood safety and amenities
When picking a new place to live, put safety first. Check out crime stats in areas you’re considering and look for streets with good lighting and buildings with secure entrances. Think about how close you’ll be to public transit, grocery stores, and other must-have services. If you plan to have a car, make sure there’s parking and find out how much it costs.
If you can, take a walk around the neighbourhood. This helps you get a feel for the area and see if it fits your lifestyle. Keep an eye out for parks, coffee shops, or places to have fun that could make living there even better.
Decoding lease agreements
Take a close look at the rental agreement before you sign it. Leases can be tricky, so give yourself time to grasp all the details. Keep an eye out for how long the lease lasts, how much rent you’ll pay and when it’s due, and any extra costs or fees.
Think about key sections that talk about who fixes what rules about pets, limits on guests, and if you can sublet. Find out which utilities come with the rent and which ones you’ll need to set up on your own. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up and ask. It’s better to clear things up now than to run into problems down the road.
Getting ready for the big move
When you’re about to move out for the first time, it’s key to have a solid plan. This plan will help you handle the process well and cut down on stress. Here are some must-know tips that will make your move easier.
Schedule for moving out
Making a detailed schedule is key when you plan to leave home for the first time. Begin by picking your ideal move-out date, and thinking about things like rent agreements, work commitments, or school timetables. Once you have a target date, work backwards to make a plan that lists all the tasks you need to do before the big day.
Your schedule should include important steps such as:
- Saving enough cash for starting costs
- Finding and locking down a good place to live
- Getting basic household stuff
- Boxing up your things
- Setting up transport or hiring people to move you
- Getting utilities and services ready in your new place
Breaking the process into smaller, doable tasks will help you stay organised and reduce stress as your move-out day approaches.
Create an essential item checklist
To make sure you don’t leave anything behind, it’s crucial to create a moving-out checklist. Here’s what you should include:
- Bedding (sheets, pillows, comforter)
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Kitchen basics (plates, utensils, cooking tools)
- Cleaning supplies
- First aid kit
- Important documents (ID, bank information, insurance papers)
- Electronics and chargers
- Clothing that suits the weather in your new place
Do note that pack a “first night” box with the basics you’ll need right away when you arrive, like toiletries, fresh clothes, and bedding.
Decluttering and packing
Start by getting rid of stuff you don’t need before you pack. This matters a lot if you’re moving to a place with less room. Give away or sell things you don’t use anymore. As you pack, put your stuff in boxes, use tape, and wrap fragile items in bubble wrap. Group similar things together. Write on each box what’s inside so it’s easy to unpack later. To fit more in less space, try vacuum bags for big soft items. Keep in mind, you don’t have to pack everything you own. Just focus on the must-haves and things that mean a lot to you. You can always buy more stuff after you move.
Transportation and moving day tips
Moving can be stressful, but good planning can make it easier. Choose the best way to transport your stuff based on how far you’re going. Think about hiring movers or renting a truck for long trips. For shorter moves, ask friends or family to lend a hand. On the big day, get an early start and stay organized. Let movers know what you expect or pack the truck if you’re doing it yourself.
Gathering necessary documents ready
Before you leave home, make sure you gather and sort out key papers you’ll need as you start your life on your own. Set up a file to keep these papers safe and easy to find. Here’s what you should collect:
- ID papers (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, student visa)
- Social Security card or National Insurance number
- Bank info and debit card
- Health insurance details
- Student loan papers (if you have them)
- Rental agreement or housing contract
- School records and transcripts
You might also want to save digital copies of these papers on your computer or in the cloud. This gives you a backup if your physical copies get lost or damaged while you’re moving.
By zeroing in on these main points – making a timeline, and getting all the paperwork you need – you’ll be set for the exciting road ahead.
Setting Up Your New Home
When you move out for the first time as a student, setting up your new home can get you pumped up and stressed out at the same time. You don’t have much money to spend, but you need a lot of stuff. You’ll have to figure out what’s most important and make smart choices. Let’s take a look at some key things to think about when you’re getting furniture, organising your space, and keeping yourself safe and secure.
Furnishing your place on a budget
When you set up your first apartment, focus on the musts. You need a comfy mattress to sleep well, which helps you in school and life. Don’t forget to plan for sheets, pillows, and a comforter. Pick furniture that does double duty, like a futon or pull-out couch, to save space and give guests a place to crash. Think about asking friends, family, or checking online for used furniture to save some cash. A coffee table comes in handy for studying or eating. To make your place look nice without spending too much, take a look at thrift stores, yard sales, or online deals for cheap decor. Don’t stress about getting everything right away; start with what you need and add more stuff as you can afford it.
Organising your space
Good organisation is essential for maximising space in small living areas. By setting up designated “zones” for different activities, you can create a more functional and tidy environment. Utilise vertical space with tall shelves or over-door hangers to store items like books, toiletries, or kitchen supplies. For your closet, invest in efficient hangers to streamline unpacking and clothing storage.
Consider furniture that combines functionality and storage. Beds with built-in drawers or footstools with storage compartments can help maximise space and keep belongings organized. By carefully planning and utilising available space, you can create a comfortable and efficient living area, even in a small space.
Safety and security measures
Safety should be your main concern in your new home. Know where the emergency exits are and what to do in case of trouble. Put up smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to stay safe. To boost security, think about using a safe for your valuable stuff and talk to your landlord about extra safety steps, like more locks or security bars.
You can’t ignore fire safety. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and make sure you know how to use it. Watch out for things that could start a fire, like candles left burning or too many things plugged into one outlet. By taking these steps to stay safe, you can make your home a secure and cosy place to live.
Managing Your Finances
When you first move out of your parents’ house, learning to handle your money on your own becomes a key skill. To keep your finances healthy, you need to make a budget and stick to it. Begin by keeping track of what you earn and spend for a few weeks. This will give you a good idea of where your money goes. It’ll also show you places where you can cut costs and save some cash.
Creating and sticking to a budget
To make a budget that works, start by writing down all your must-have expenses like rent, utilities, food, and getting around. Next, set aside money for things you want but don’t need such as fun activities and clothes. A good rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 split: 50% of what you earn goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to save or reach money goals. This way, you’re taking care of the basics while thinking ahead.
Think about using apps or spreadsheets to keep an eye on what you spend and hold yourself accountable. Don’t forget to look over your budget and tweak it as your life changes. It’s also smart to set goals you can reach and leave some wiggle room in your budget so you don’t feel too boxed in.
Handling bills and payments
Moving out on your own for the first time brings challenges when it comes to handling bills and payments. You can dodge late fees and keep your credit score healthy by setting up automatic payments for regular bills like rent and utilities. This way, you’ll never miss a payment deadline.
For costs that change month to month, put reminders in your phone or calendar to alert you when it’s time to pay. It’s smart to stash away some cash for a rainy day fund too. This can save you from turning to expensive credit cards or loans when unexpected expenses pop up.
Saving for emergencies and goals
You need to plan your money when moving out. Start an emergency fund with enough to cover three to six months of costs. This helps you deal with surprise events like losing your job or unexpected expenses. Set clear savings targets for things you want to buy down the road, such as a car or vacation. Make saving easy by setting up regular transfers to a separate account. Keep in mind, it takes time to build good money habits. Learn from your mistakes and keep getting better at managing your money as you begin this new phase of living on your own.
Adjusting to Independent Living
When you move into your new place, you’ll need to adapt to living on your own. This change requires you to set up new routines, manage your time well, and handle the feelings that come with leaving home. Here are some pointers to help you navigate this exciting time in your life.
Setting house rules with roommates
Living with roommates can be great, but it needs good communication and teamwork. To create a nice living space, set clear house rules from the start. Talk about what you expect for cleanliness, quiet times, and shared areas.
Make a shared cleaning plan or chore list to divide tasks. Keep an open mind and stay patient, knowing that everyone has their own ways and likes. In shared spaces, show respect and work together to keep them nice. Think about setting some rules for having guests over to avoid arguments and make sure everyone feels at ease in their shared home.
Balancing studies, work, and social life
When you move out for the first time, you’ll need to manage your time well. Students must juggle their school work, maybe a part-time job, and their friends. To do well, you should create and stick to a daily plan.
Use a calendar or planner to write down your classes, work hours, homework, and hangouts with friends. When you can see your schedule, you’ll spot free time and plan better. Set aside specific times to study, finish homework, and chill with friends. Focus on urgent and important tasks first, but don’t forget to have fun. Hobbies and friend time help keep a good balance between work and play. Be honest about what you can handle and learn to say no when you’re too busy.
Handling homesickness and stress
Students often feel homesick and stressed when they start living on their own. Don’t brush off these feelings; recognise and tackle them. Keep in touch with family and friends through regular phone calls or video chats to fight homesickness. Make your living space cosy by adding familiar objects from home.
When stress gets too much, reach out for help. Most colleges provide counselling and support groups to assist students in dealing with worry and stress. Take care of yourself by working out, eating well, and sleeping enough. Keep in mind that getting used to living on your own takes time. Be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it. With good ways to cope and support, you’ll handle this new part of your life.
Study habits for independent living
Good study habits play a key role when you live on your own. Pick a quiet spot with no distractions to study, like your room, the library, or a nearby café. Resist checking your phone or scrolling through social media while you study. Try apps that block time-wasting websites to help you concentrate.
Look over your notes often before and after class to cement your grasp of the subject matter. Think about teaming up with study groups or finding a buddy to keep you in check with your school goals. Keep in mind to set real expectations for how long each task will take and don’t aim for perfection, as this can bring on needless worry.
Self-care and stress management
It’s crucial to handle stress and make self-care a priority as you deal with the hurdles of living on your own and meeting school demands. Set aside time for things you like, such as working out, diving into a book, or hanging out with friends. Getting regular exercise can lower your stress levels and boost your overall health.
Try out ways to relax, like taking deep breaths, picturing calm scenes, or tensing and relaxing your muscles to handle stress when things get hectic. Make sure you sleep enough shooting for seven to eight hours each night. Eat well and drink plenty of water to keep your body and mind in good shape. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Talk to your friends, family, or the counsellors at your school when you’re struggling. It’s normal to feel stressed as you get used to living on your own, but finding good ways to cope will help you succeed in school and in life.
Ready for a successful transition to independent living?
Leaving home for the first time as an international student may change many parts of your life. This guide has shown you how to handle money matters, pick a place to live, get ready to move, and adapt to life on your own. Simple planning can help you be ready to face challenges and make the most of your student life exciting moments.
At times, you might feel swamped, but don’t forget that this is your chance to grow, pick up new things, and build key skills for life. If you need help from a registered education agent, you can easily book a call with KBA Global education experts. If you get ready and think the right way, you’ll soon find yourself doing great in your new place and enjoying the freedom and duties that come with living on your own.
The Switch
